Thy Art Is Murder

Thy Art Is Murder: The Unrelenting Voice of Deathcore Rebellion

Introduction: The Australian Juggernaut of Modern Extreme Metal

Formed in 2006 in Blacktown, Sydney, Thy Art Is Murder emerged from the underground as a powerful force in deathcore, blending the speed and technicality of death metal with the breakdown-heavy brutality of hardcore. With themes centered on anti-religion, sociopolitical decay, environmental catastrophe, and nihilism, the band has become one of the most confrontational and vital voices in modern extreme music. Known for their crushing sound, unflinching lyrical stance, and chaotic live shows, Thy Art Is Murder continues to shape the landscape of contemporary metal.

Formation and Early Years (2006–2010)

Thy Art Is Murder was formed by:

• Lee Stanton – drums
• Sean Delander – guitar
• Gary Markowski – guitar
• Josh King – vocals
• Brendan van Ryn – bass (later vocals)

Their 2008 EP, Infinite Death, put them on the map within Australia’s extreme music circles. The record gained notoriety for its unrelenting aggression, shocking lyrical content, and live shows that often bordered on chaotic.

Though raw in sound, Infinite Death foreshadowed the technical precision and nihilistic themes that would define their identity. After a few lineup changes, Chris “CJ” McMahon joined the band as vocalist in 2009, bringing a deeper vocal range and a commanding presence that would help define the band’s rise.

Breakthrough and Global Recognition

The Adversary (2010)

Thy Art Is Murder’s debut full-length album showed major progression. It leaned heavily into technical death metal influences while retaining the breakdown-driven essence of deathcore. Tracks like “Laceration Penetration” and “Engineering the Antichrist” revealed a band unafraid of pushing both musical and thematic boundaries.

While controversial, the album helped build a cult following—particularly in Australia, where they became one of the country’s most prominent metal exports.

Hate (2012): Defining the Deathcore Renaissance

Produced by Will Putney (known for work with Fit for an Autopsy and Every Time I Die), Hate was the album that catapulted Thy Art Is Murder to global prominence.

• Themes: anti-theism, war, corruption, the collapse of human morality
• Sound: downtuned riffs, precise drumming, atmospheric touches, and McMahon’s monstrous vocals
• Standout Tracks: “Reign of Darkness,” “The Purest Strain of Hate,” “Immolation”

Hate became the first Australian extreme metal album to break into the ARIA Top 40, a landmark achievement. It remains a defining release of the modern deathcore scene and earned them a spot on major tours and festivals worldwide.

Evolution and Aggression: Holy War (2015)

Following CJ McMahon’s temporary departure due to personal and financial struggles, Holy War was released amidst uncertainty. The album addressed issues such as:

• Religious extremism and child abuse
• Political hypocrisy
• Environmental degradation

The original cover art—a child wearing a suicide vest—was censored by distributors and replaced with a symbolic white cover. Despite the controversy, Holy War demonstrated that Thy Art Is Murder could evolve musically while remaining fearless thematically.

Musically, the album took a slightly more melodic and atmospheric turn while preserving the intensity and tight musicianship that fans expected.

CJ’s Return and Continued Growth

Dear Desolation (2017)

McMahon rejoined in 2017 after re-aligning his personal life. Dear Desolation reflected a more mature lyrical and sonic approach:

• Themes: nihilism, spiritual decay, societal collapse
• Sound: leaning closer to modern death metal with clearer production and fewer breakdowns

Tracks like “Slaves Beyond Death” and “Puppet Master” earned acclaim for their balance between groove, brutality, and philosophical depth.

Human Target (2019): A Political Manifesto in Deathcore Form

Human Target further emphasized the band’s stance on modern issues:

• Topics: state surveillance, eugenics, climate collapse, gun violence
• Production: once again by Will Putney, giving the album surgical precision and bombastic low end

Songs like “Make America Hate Again” and the title track confronted political rot with vitriol. Musically, it was their most streamlined and vicious record to date.

Godlike (2023) and CJ McMahon’s Exit

In 2023, the band announced their sixth album, Godlike, pushing their sonic aggression even further. However, the album’s release was shadowed by CJ McMahon’s controversial departure, following public disagreements over his statements and behavior conflicting with the band’s ethics.

Rather than delay the album, Thy Art Is Murder erased McMahon’s vocals from the final mix shortly before release and replaced them with newly recorded vocals by an anonymous replacement (later revealed as Tyler Miller from Aversions Crown).

While fans were divided, the move showed the band’s commitment to their values and direction—even at the cost of one of their most iconic members.

Musical Style

Thy Art Is Murder’s music is defined by:

• Low-tuned guitars, palm-muted chugs, and eerie melodies
• Machine-gun drumming and double bass blasts
• Vocal styles ranging from guttural growls to piercing highs
• Atmospheric and industrial textures added over time for depth

Their evolution from early deathcore to a hybrid of technical death metal, blackened deathcore, and modern death metal has kept them relevant as the genre itself matures.

Discography Highlights

1. Infinite Death (EP, 2008)
2. The Adversary (2010)
3. Hate (2012)
4. Holy War (2015)
5. Dear Desolation (2017)
6. Human Target (2019)
7. Godlike (2023)

Legacy and Influence

Thy Art Is Murder is regarded as:

• Pioneers of the second wave of deathcore alongside bands like Whitechapel, Carnifex, and Fit for an Autopsy
• One of the few bands to blend socio-political consciousness with extreme music
• A group unafraid to evolve, challenge norms, and provoke thought

They’ve influenced a generation of younger metal acts while maintaining credibility among both death metal and deathcore audiences.